In 2006, California took a bold step toward cleaning our air and building a new, clean energy economy by passing the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32). This groundbreaking law committed California to reducing the carbon pollution that damages our climate, moving away from dirty fuels like oil and coal, and expanding safer, cleaner energy sources like solar and wind. We’re doing it by charging polluters for the pollution they cause and putting that money to work in our communities – to save energy, expand clean power, boost access to clean transportation and help Californians pay their energy bills, while creating jobs in our communities.

This affects us all, but the old, dirty energy economy hurt some neighborhoods more than others. Too often, low-income communities are used as dumping grounds for dangerous, dirty facilities like refineries and freeways that wealthier areas don’t want. Five of California’s smoggiest cities have the most people of color and low-income residents, and these communities will suffer the worst increase in smog associated with climate change.

In 2012, California passed a second law, SB 535, to guarantee that one quarter of polluter fees charged under AB 32 would benefit these neighborhoods. In 2016, California went even farther with AB 1550: We guaranteed that 35 percent of polluter fees will help underserved communities and low-income Californians, and we improved our climate laws in several other ways. The neighborhoods that most urgently need clean air and good jobs are getting both!

FIGHTING POVERTY AND POLLUTION

CHARGING POLLUTERS

The idea is simple: Make polluters pay for the damage they cause when they dump filth into our air—$872 million in 2015 alone and as much as $2.7 billion in 2016—and put that money to work in our neighborhoods.

Investing in Our Neighborhoods

Hundreds of millions of dollars raised by making polluters pay are already on their way to our communities: Planting trees, building affordable housing near transit, and much more. Click to discover how those dollars are cleaning the air while bringing investment and jobs into our neighborhoods

Cleaning Our Air, Protecting Our Health

Every year, dirty air kills over 9,000 Californians and costs us tens of billions of dollars. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable. Click to learn about air pollution and health, and how our clean energy law is helping make our neighborhoods healthier.

Resource Finder

UpLiftCA was created by The Greenlining Institute in partnership with the California Climate Equity Coalition, led by the Asian Pacific Environmental Network, Coalition for Clean Air, The Greenlining Institute, Public Advocates and SCOPE. We work to ensure that California climate policies bring opportunities and investments to California’s underserved communities. We are also indebted to the Natural Resources Defense Council for essential support and partnership.